Ireland international Chris Henry announces retirement

Ireland flanker Chris Henry has announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.

Henry made his professional rugby debut with Ulster in 2006 and has racked up 184 appearances for the club with his last appearance for them coming in September.

His consistent performances for Ulster earned him an Ireland call-up in 2010 and he went on to play 24 Tests in which he scored four tries and last featured for the national side during the 2015 World Cup.

"My career has physically taken its toll and so, for my wellbeing, I will be retiring immediately," said Henry.

"After a great deal of thought and in-depth discussions with family and friends, I believe that now is the right time to retire from the game I love," explained Henry in an open letter published by Ulster Rugby.

"No matter how much I would love to finish the season with this talented group, my career has taken its toll physically, and so for the wellbeing of myself, my loving wife and my family, I will be retiring immediately.

"I am incredibly proud to be a one-club man, and I want to thank Ulster for giving me the chance to achieve my dream.

"The honour of putting on the white and green jersey is something I will always cherish. I feel incredibly lucky and privileged to have travelled all around the world doing what I love."

Henry is the third Ulster forward to announce retirement in recent weeks after Peter Browne and Jean Deysel also quitting the game.